FIFTY YEARS AGO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21110, 18 February 1932, Page 6

FIFTY YEARS AGO.

EXTRACTS FROM THE HERALD. THE TREND OF FASHION. The following are extracts from the New Zealand Herald of February 18, 1882 A semi-panic has been occasioned by numerous mercantile failures in the wheat and cotton trades on the Stock Exchange in New York during the past few days. The Cairo Assembly of Notables, at the instigation of the Government, has passed a resolution deciding upon the total abolition of slavery in Egypt. We learn that Tawhiao is making extensive preparations for the feast which he is to give to Europeans and natives on the Ist of May. It is the custom of Maoris when they have been feasted, to feast in turn, and Tawhiao is not going to lie outdone if ho can help it. The Opera House now begins to show its handsome proportions, the whole of the exterior walls being built up to the required height, and the carpenters were yesterday engaged in fixing a portion of the timbers of the roofing. Bustles are moribund. The crinolet grows smaller. Serpent bracelets in silver and silver gilt are very fashionable. Small screw earrings remain the favourites for very young ladies. Necklaces, when worn at all, must be high and close around the throat.

Fobs for the watch, with fob chains and seals, are revived among gentlemen's fashions.

Novelties at a dinner party the other day were paper plates painted by hand, which by some process are made like china. They were served for fruit and the guests retained them.